** 10/15/07 Edit - To clarify, I am referring to the Whitehall Planet Fitness in Charlotte, NC. This particular gym is in a sizable office park and was built new as a Planet Fitness - it was not a Gold's gym prior. I am currently on the $10, no contract, month-to-month plan. Thanks! **

I joined Planet Fitness and I have nothing but good things to say about it, given its intent as well as its price. Personally, I used to be a member of a gym which might be referred to as a "meathead" or "lunkhead" gym - nothing except freeweights, pulley machines and a handful of aerobic machines. I gotta say that the bigger guys in there ~did~ act like total "lunkheads" by Planet Fitness' definition. They planted themselves at stations for hours, slammed weights, stared at themselves in the mirror, swore like sailors and never wiped down the machines. And, yes, they were very judgmental of any of the smaller members of the gym. The only reason I continued going was because of the very limited number of gyms in my area.

Now, a new city, many moons and much more weight later, I decided to get back into the swing of things and join a gym. I've been a member of a "real" gym, I've been a member of the local YMCA, and now, Planet Fitness. If you're looking for a full-service athletic megaplex, then you might want to consider the Y, but you're going to pay dearly. I don't need or want the tennis, racquetball or swimming pools. I don't need aerobics or spinning classes or child daycare. Unless I ask, I don't need or want any special attention from trainers. I just want to go there, do my thing and leave. And with the number of treadmills, machines and freeweight stations, even when I've come in between 4:30 and 8:00 at night, I have ~never~ had to wait to use anything. Ever. And there are always plenty of empties left in case there is a surge.

I've found that the staff is very polite and very helpful. As far the machines being underperforming, you need to remember that machines have ~never~ been meant to replace freeweights. If you're looking for some big weights, you'd be better off moving on the free weights stations. The machines are meant for people who might not necessarily be able to perform the exercise correctly or have the correct biometric position down while doing it and its meant to assist you. Yes, you're sacrificing a lot of resistance with machines (parasitic loss), but the average Joe is still going to get a very good workout.

Lastly, the place is spotless. The exercise areas, locker rooms, restrooms and showers are clean as can be. You don't feel the need to Lysol yourself down after leaving there.

All in all, I ~love~ this gym. I wouldn't use any pools, tennis courts or anything anyway, so why should I pay more than $10 a month? I have all I need, and I can do it at my own pace, slowly rebuilding my endurance and musculature without being under anyone else's microscope. And if there comes a point that I outgrow it, ~then~ I'll look for a different gym, which might better suit my needs at that time. Until then Planet Fitness will continue getting my business.

Five stars!!



Recommended: Yes